HR BENEFITS SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: July 15, 2025 - The Human Resources (HR) Benefits Specialist administers employee benefits and leave programs while ensuring compliance with regulations like COBRA and OSHA. This role requires strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills, with hands-on experience using systems such as ADP Workforce Now, SuccessFactors, and Paylocity. The specialist must work independently and communicate effectively to support HR operations.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Human Resources Benefits Specialist Resume
  • Benefits Administration
  • COBRA Compliance
  • Payroll Processing
  • Vendor Management
  • ACA Compliance
  • Retirement Plans
  • Legal Compliance
  • Enrollment Coordination
  • HRIS Management
  • Billing Reconciliation
  • Employee Support
  • Confidential Handling
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Project Coordination
  • Interdepartmental Collaboration
  • Orientation Delivery
  • Issue Resolution
  • Leadership
  • Service Improvement

Summary of Human Resources Benefits Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Public Administration with 6 years of experience

  • Must have PHR, SPHR or CEBS Certification
  • Prior experience in Client Service, HR or Benefits
  • Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local laws about HR and Benefits Administration
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to interact with all levels of an organization
  • Ability to build internal and external relationships and provide excellent customer service
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Superior organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Must have active listening skills
  • Ability to remain empathetic
  • Demonstrated ability to multitask
  • Must be able to work under time constraints and deadlines

2. BA in Human Resources Management with 5 years of experience

  • Must have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification 
  • Accounting experience or managing payroll platform(s) in a multi-state, high-growth organization
  • Experience with HR, Benefits and Payroll systems
  • Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices
  • Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations about payroll compliance
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a high attention to detail
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software products, including intermediate to advanced MS Excel skills
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage multiple responsibilities
  • Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
  • Able to determine and develop necessary approaches for solutions
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
  • Ability to effectively communicate across all corporate levels

3. BS in Accounting with 4 years of experience

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to conduct training sessions
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and exceptional customer service skills
  • Strong analytical and project management skills with a high attention to detail
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Experience with payroll and benefits systems, ADP Workforce Now and SuccessFactors 
  • Hands-on experience administering Benefits
  • Professional office experience/admin experience
  • Must understand benefits, leave of absence, OSHA, Cobra, etc
  • Self-directed and able to work independently
  • Strong computer skills with the ability to use a variety of computer systems, including HRIS software, MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
  • Working experience in Paylocity